Tattooed You: Students Reveal Ink

(Posted September 24, 2013)

More students have tattoos as a personal statement.

Though they may be simple images on paper, tattoos gain a new meaning when they are on skin. A loved one, an inspirational phrase, a show of solidarity, tattoos range in their subject and their intricacy. Today, tattoos have become a huge part of American culture. Today, tattoo shops are common almost every city; tattoos have moved beyond a biker fad to a mainstream accessory. Today we see more and more people sporting ink and also sporting a message. Juniata's students discuss their tattoos and the meanings behind them.

Roni Laub '17, Harrisburg, Pa.

"I got this tattoo because I wanted to, and I love my grandma. The butterfly symbolizes when I was little and my grandma would take me to a butterfly preserve. Her favorite butterfly was a monarch. I lived with my grandma; I grew up with her and she raised me."

Kymberly Mattern '15, Reston, Va.

"I don't know why I got this tattoo. It was always something I have been interested in and I thought it would be kind of cool. I have a love for the water, and the fish is a symbol of Christianity. "JOY" stands for Jesus, others, and self, which are values I believe in. And the bible verse, Proverbs 3:3, talks about these values as well."

Quinn Westlake '17, Albuquerque, N.M.

"I have two tattoos. The small one I got because my friend was getting one and didn't want to go alone. I went with her and got one as well. That one was my second tattoo. The one on my back is for Albuquerque, New Mexico. It's for always remembering where you come from."
Ryan Burgess '17, Greencastle, Pa.

"I have always been small so… my tattoo says knowledge is power. I always thought it was cool how you don't have to use brute force to conquer the world."

Sophie Chambers '15, San Diego, Calif.

"My favorite animal is a cat, and I always liked the Cheshire cat from Alice and Wonderland. The cat is kind of quirky and off-beat, like me, so I can relate to it."

Kate Clarke, Assistant Professor and Juniata Theatre Program Director

"I have three tattoos, but the one I have that shows says "Word." I had a very profound summer and I did a lot of work professionally. I was at a workshop and what I took away from it was that your integrity and your honor is tied to your words. I got this tattoo as a reminder of that."